Contact Lenses as an Alternative for Mask-Induced Foggy Lenses

While face masks help us to avoid transmitting coronavirus, millions of eyeglass wearers are discovering the nuisance of mask-induced foggy lenses.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommending the wearing of face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19, fogged-up glasses are a common problem. This problem has, in turn, led some eyeglass users to opt for contact lenses. 

When you wear a face mask, you breathe out warm, humid air. This air then can sneak out of the top of your mask and steam up the lenses of your glasses, because the humid air condenses on the cooler eyeglass lens. 

Related post: Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE)

This condensation produces tiny droplets that scatter light and reduce the lens’s ability to transmit contrast. Contact lenses are a great option for many people. The first step is to determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses, by seeking a comprehensive eye examination and contact lens evaluation.

A good contact lens fit requires additional measurements and assessments.

These include:

Evaluation of the cornea

The cornea is the clear dome of tissue on the surface of the eye. Before wearing contact lenses, it is essential that the cornea is healthy and intact. The curvature of the cornea is measured to ensure that the contact lens moves properly and comfortably.

Evaluation of the tear film

Tear film integrity is necessary for healthy and comfortable contact lens wear. Tears bring nutrients to the front surface of the eye. It is important, both for eye health and comfort, that tears circulate properly while you are wearing contact lenses.

Pupil

The size of your pupil helps determine which contact lens design is right for you. This is especially true if you are interested in gas-permeable contact lenses.

Related post: What Vision Problems Do Corneal Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses Correct?

We try diagnostic trial lenses on your eye to assess the fit, vision and comfort of the lenses. = This allows us to carry out tests while you are wearing the lenses to refine the prescription and fit. If the lens is in good position and moves properly, you will go home wearing your new diagnostic lenses. Before you leave, we take the time to provide one-on-one teaching  to ensure you are proficient in inserting and removing your contact lenses in safely and efficiently. We will also teach you the do’s and don’ts of contact lens wear.

Before we finalize the contact lens prescription, we have you come back in one or two weeks to ensure that the lens still fits properly and that you remain satisfied with your vision. At the return visit, if we confirm healthy lens wear and good vision, we will order your contact lens supply and provide a contact lens prescription for you. This prescription will designate the contact lens power, the curvature of the lens (base curve), the lens diameter and the lens name and recommended manufacturer recommended. In the case of gas-permeable lenses, additional information may be included.

Regardless of the frequency or duration of contact lens wear, your eyes should be examined once a year to verify your continued tolerance to contact lens wear.

Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to avoid mask-induced fogging of glasses. Contact lenses do not fog up when you wear a mask. Contact lens wear is safe and does not impact the spread of this coronavirus, especially if you practice good lens care and hygiene, including:

• Proper hand washing before every insertion and removal with soap, water, and paper towels for drying.
• Cleaning lenses upon removal.
• Disinfecting lenses as recommended by the manufacturer.

Contact Miami Contact Lens Institute to learn more about contact lenses as an alternative for mask-induced foggy lenses.